History of The Presbyterian Church in Needham, Part 4

As of the first communion service, held on June 26, 1887, thirty-five (71%) of the forty-nine ‘charter’ members had names that began with “Mac”.  Currently only twenty-six (19%) of our members fall into this category . . . but several more had maiden names beginning with “Mac” and there are three names beginning with “Mc” as well.  Although there are only a couple of hands full of Gaelic speakers among our current members, we still have a Gaelic choir that performs on special occasions.

As we’ve evolved from a neighborhood church to one with a regional outreach (currently covering seventy-two ZIP codes), our membership has declined.  The main sanctuary on Tremont Street accommodated 1,300 people, and the services were always well attended . . . despite the fact that the United Presbyterian Church was located only a block away!  In addition to Sunday morning services, there were activities throughout the week . . . including several youth groups (arranged by age) that met on Saturday and Sunday evenings.  One group alone (the Society of Christian Endeavor) numbered over one hundred young people by our 51st anniversary in 1938.

Despite the more modest size of our current membership and sanctuary, the Presbyterian Church in Needham continues the traditions inherited from its Nova Scotian ancestors.  We have an active Sunday School for children of all ages and a Youth Program for Junior High and up.  We also sponsor a Scout troop that meets in our Fellowship Hall.  We have recently begun an extensive Mission Study, to be concluded this Fall, which will better define our priorities and programs as we embark on the 21st century.

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